Chapter 38: Suicidal For You!

[Ding! The Host has been given four options to choose from. Please select one option carefully.]

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[Option 1: Select the Outer Rim of Mystic Evergreen Forest as your destination.

Reward: Cultivation Stage+1.]

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[Option 2: Select the Whispering Grove of Mystic Evergreen Forest to explore.

Reward: Qi Enhancement Pill (Uncommon Grade).]

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[Option 3: Select the Shadowed Thicket of Mystic Evergreen Forest to challenge yourself.

Reward: Sword Aura Comprehension Card.]

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[Option 4: Select the Forbidden Depths of Mystic Evergreen Forest to risk everything.

Reward: Beautiful Yellow Coffin (Unique Grade).]

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As Reon approached the counter, he suddenly froze as the familiar sight of the System panel materialized before him. His eyes scanned over the options, weighing each choice carefully.

The first option was to venture into the Beginner's Forest, also known as the Outer Rim of the Mystic Evergreen Forest. Although it was the safest and most straightforward path, the reward—a simple increase in cultivation stage—felt underwhelming.

Moreover, Reon knew that the mission he had taken from the Skyreach Mission Pavilion couldn't be completed in such a low-risk area. The Outer Rim simply wouldn't challenge him enough to advance his true goals.

The second option was to venture into the Whispering Grove, a place Reon had initially intended to visit for his training and to fulfill his mission. Now, with the System offering this very choice, it felt like a sign—especially with such an enticing reward.

The promise of a Qi Enhancement Pill of Uncommon Grade immediately caught Reon's attention. Its potent properties could drastically accelerate his progress, potentially giving him the edge he needed to break through to the next Realm of cultivation—the Qi Solidification Realm. This reward was tempting for Reon, given his current condition.

Reon's gaze settled on the third option: venturing into the Shadowed Thicket. A shiver of unease ran through him at the thought—this was a place he had no desire to enter in his current state. The danger there was far beyond what he could handle.

However, the reward was almost irresistible—a Sword Aura Comprehension Card. While he wasn't sure what level of Sword Aura he would attain with its help, the potential power it offered was undeniable.

The allure of such a reward was hard to ignore. Even if it meant braving the treacherous edges of the Shadowed Thicket, Reon couldn't dismiss the opportunity.

He reasoned he wouldn't need to venture too deep—he could stay near the outskirts and retreat if necessary. But if he was willing to take the risk, the potential gain was immense.

After weighing the second and third options, Reon found himself torn between the two. Both offered tantalizing rewards—the Qi Enhancement Pill and the Sword Aura Comprehension Card—but each path carried its own risks.

His mind was so occupied with the decision that he didn't even bother glancing at the fourth option after seeing it mention the Forbidden Depths.

However, had he taken a moment to look further down, he might have screamed in disbelief. The reward listed for venturing into the most dangerous part of the Mystic Evergreen Forest was the System's first-ever Unique Grade item—a coffin. The absurdity of it would have sent him into a fit of outrage, cursing the System for its twisted sense of humor.

Reon made his decision without hesitation and selected an option. With steady steps, he approached the counter and calmly informed them of his destination within the Mystic Evergreen Forest.

The moment he spoke, a wave of stunned silence washed over the counter. Every person there turned to look at him as if they were gazing at a madman. From his simple outer sect robes, it was clear that Reon was no more than a disciple of the lowest rank, which only deepened their shock.

One of the men behind the counter, his expression a mix of disbelief and concern, finally spoke. "Little brother, are you sure? That place is suicide for someone like you."

Another added, shaking his head, "Many disciples, even those more experienced than you, have gone there trying to prove themselves—and none of them ever returned."

Reon gave a respectful nod and replied, "I appreciate your concern, Seniors, but I have my reasons. Please, just arrange for me to go there."

The first man sighed, his brows furrowing as if giving a final warning. "Very well, but don't say we didn't warn you. The danger you're walking into... it's far beyond what you think."

Reon smiled lightly, his resolve unwavering. "Rest assured, Senior, I won't blame anyone."

Inwardly, however, Reon was far from composed. "If I have to blame anyone, it would be the damn System for dangling such a tempting reward in front of me," he thought, mentally cursing its twisted logic.

Just as the thought passed, the familiar sound echoed in his mind.

[Ding! The Host has selected the Third Option. Please proceed to complete the task in order to claim your reward.]

The man behind the counter sighed, muttering, "What's with these young disciples nowadays? Arrogant and overconfident… even outer sect disciples think they can survive the Shadowed Thicket—a place even Core Sect disciples fear."

As the teleportation process was arranged, Reon felt the gravity of their warnings. But the promise of the Sword Aura Comprehension Card outweighed the risk. His resolve remained unshaken.